Steward of education and tax dollars

My wife, Kathy, and I are 37-year Geneva residents; I’m also a retired Geneva High School English teacher and department chair. We strongly support the re-election of Mark Grosso, current District 304 school board president.

We have known Mark for many years as a friend and neighbor and have worked with him on various committees for the Pepper Valley Homeowners Association. Four years ago we endorsed and supported Mark when he was running for the school board for the first time. We said, “Mark works hard, cooperates well with others, listens carefully, pays close attention to details, and uses common sense. He will bring the same leadership and problem solving skills to the school district.” He did not disappoint and has led skillfully and diligently on very difficult issues in trying economic times.

Our children are graduates of GHS, and we understand how important parents, classroom teachers, district leaders, school support personnel and school groups are in shaping the lives of children, young men and women. In addition to supporting all of these, Mark supports comprehensive curriculum and extracurricular programs that prepare Geneva students for the world of work and further education. Geneva has continued its tradition of excellence with his support and leadership.

Mark knows that board members are not only stewards of the educational program but are also stewards of the taxpayer’s dollars. He has worked on negotiations of contracts for teachers, operations groups, and bus drivers. He has worked successfully with other board members on tax abatement, debt reduction, the Coultrap disposition, the sale of Brundige Road property, emergency preparedness and e-start classroom. We also believe that as board president he has conducted civil meetings, has provided personal access to the concerns of citizens, and has improved communication and transparency in the district’s operations.

Gib Thostenson

Geneva